Concrete Block Wall Basement in Toronto

Many homes in Toronto and the surrounding GTA have poured-concrete foundations, but some of them are made of concrete block, which is often referred to as concrete masonry units (CMUs) or cinder blocks. The walls of concrete block foundations sit on a footing which is a concrete-poured pad that is wider than the building’s foundation wall. This helps to distribute the home’s weight load. The foundation’s construction starts with pouring the footing inside a trench which contains metal or wood forms. The footing needs to sit lower than the freeze line and possibly deeper if there’s going to be a full-height basement.

 

Foundation Footings

The footing’s thickness and width depends on the construction and size of the home as well as the soil’s load-bearing capacity. During the basement excavation, the first row of concrete block is laid on the footing when it has cured to describe the structure’s perimeter. For foundation walls, the typical thickness of the concrete block is eight inches. However, foot-thick blocks are sometimes used for heavier loads and higher walls. More courses of block and mortar are added in a brick-like pattern until the proper height is reached. At this time, any openings and windows are built and the mortar in the wall is given time to  cure.

If there are hollow cores in the block walls they may be filled completely with mortar, but usually the edges of openings and corners of the wall are filled. In addition, extra strength may be added with steel rebar. Once the walls are finished the basement floor is poured with concrete and the ground floor framing is completed. The foundation is now supported at the bottom and top and it’s backfilled and compacted with soil while construction begins above the ground.

 

Fixing a Leak in a Concrete Block Foundation

Poured-concrete and concrete block foundations both have identical load-bearing strength, but concrete block walls are more susceptible to any type of lateral pressure which can result in seepage problems. This is because water can seep into a basement through concrete block walls via the porous blocks and any cracked mortar joints. It’s recommended that you waterproof a home’s block foundation by installing a waterproofing membrane to the exterior. This method can be done while the building is being constructed or by excavating around it.

The exterior membrane consists of asphalt-modified polyurethane. It’s applied in a thick coating to the exterior of the foundation walls and it created a barrier which helps keep out water. The waterproofing membrane is different than a damp-proofing spray as the spray is a thinner liquid which is sprayed over foundation walls when the home is built to keep condensation out of its interior. The membrane can be improved with exterior drain tile when the water table is high. The drain tile is designed to carry ground water away. In addition, drainage board can be installed on the walls as a method to help protect the exterior membrane by channeling the water downward.

If you don’t have the option of exterior waterproofing, then interior drain tile can help keep a block wall from allowing water through it. This often sees the installation of a vapor barrier on the inside walls which transports any water to the drain tile. This can be kept from view as a finish wall can cover the vapor barrier.

No matter what the reason is for your damp basement, if you have a concrete block foundation that needs to be waterproofed please feel free to contact our team of professional contractors at Nusite. We have over 30 years of experience dealing with concrete block walls in the GTA and will gladly schedule a visit to your home for a free inspection and estimate.

Finished Basement in Toronto

Most homeowners don’t make very good use of their basement.  If it’s an unfinished basement, it’s probably a laundry room and a very big storage space.  As a waterproofing company here in Toronto, the two biggest reasons people do not finish their basements are finances and chronic water leaks in their basement.

It’s hard to have a bright and airy basement when it feels and smells like you’re in a dungeon.  Chronic dampness and mold will do that.  If you have the budget, finishing your basement, or even creating a walkout basement can do wonders for ventilation and lighting.  Often times, finances don’t allow for a fully finished basement, though stopping the water leaks is probably a pre-requisite if you want to use the space, finished or unfinished.

Even in you don’t finish your basement, there are lots of creative ways you can make use of the space, and you won’t have to spend a fortune to do it.  Some ideas are:

 

Children’s Play Space

Create a safe and open space for you children to play.  It gets them out of the main living areas, reduces the traffic and cleanup for you, and creates a nice out of the way space for your little ones to play.  If they’re little, it can be a great downstairs play area while you take care of the laundry!

Kids Basement Playroom Toronto

Home Office

Need some peace and quiet so you can get some work done?  Find a cozy corner of the basement to concentrate on your work.  Often times, it may be simply running a cable line or power cord from the first floor so you can have your internet and power for you electronics and lighting.

Basement Home Office Toronto

Fitness Room

With some floor mats, a heavy bag, and some music, you can turn your dark basement into your own training center.  Exercise equipment can be loud and heavy, making it disruptive if there is living space below so the basement is a perfect place.

Basement Family Room

Family Room

A couple of couches, an area rug and a TV….and you have a great place to host family night!

Basement Family Room


Step 1: Make Sure It’s Waterproof

As you can see, there are lots of great ideas for turning that unused space into something you can enjoy.  Before you start, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

While a little moisture in an unfinished basement may seem unimportant, it matters a great deal when you’re investing money to build it out. Consider this. Damp is going to stain your new finishes and eventually ruin the job. You’re also going to have to rip them out to make repairs.

Moisture and lack of ventilation will ruin your basement fun if left untreated.  If you do have a water leak in your basement, find the source and call in a waterproofing company to fix it before you start.  Adding ventilation in the form of fans and possibly a dehumidifier will also help keep the air dry and circulating.

Step 2: Have a Proper Plan

Do you have electrical outlets?  Will you need them?  Is the space away from your utilities, especially if it’s a children’s play area.  Making sure the area is safe and that you have the proper resources before selecting the section of the basement for your new space.  Remove any clutter in the area and move it to a remote part of the basement.

Step 3: Lighting

One of the things that make an unfinished basement somewhat depressing is that lack of lighting.  If it’s going to be a space where you’re going o be spending any sort of time in, be sure to brighten the place up.  Ikea can give you some great, low-cost ideas for track lighting as well as floor and table lamps.

Step 5: Apply Finishes

Your choice of colors can make a big impact on the look and feel of your space.  There are several options for painting bare concrete walls and floors that can turn your basement into a bright and happy atmosphere without spending alot of money.  Also consider area rugs and child/gym mat flooring options that are also inexpensive.

Step 6: Install the Furniture and Fittings

Once the lighting, walls and flooring are in place, it’s time to move your furnishings in.  If you’ll be using furniture, consider using it in a way that sections off that part of your basement to give it it’s own unique space.

It’s easy to get more use out of your basement creatively. As long as your basement is dry, it’s not expensive to turn it into a space you can enjoy.    If you’re looking for ideas, check out there Pinterest images for some inspiration!

Nusite Group is a Toronto based basement waterproofing and foundation specialty company, we help get your basement ready so it can be finished for years of family enjoyment.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can help create get your damp, cramped basement into a fully functional living space.

 

 

If you’re thinking about renovating your basement and are thinking about adding radiant heating to your flooring, then read on.  Not only is radiant heat possible for your basement floor, it can turn a cold, damp basement into the main gathering place for your home.

We’ve been renovating basements in Toronto and the surrounding GTA for over 30 years.  We’ve also installed several radiant heating floor systems as part of converting damp basements into full height, finished basements.

In-floor radiant basement heating is based on the principle that the amount of energy required to maintain the existing temperature is low, when compared to that required to raise it. In a nutshell, the system comprises two main components. The first part is a network of flexible tubing around which the concrete slab is poured. The second is a hydronic pump that forces heated liquid through this piping to create a warming effect.

 

When to Install Basement Radiant Heating

A hydronic basement heater is an efficient way to keep a basement comfortably warm, especially as heat eventually transfers to the entire structure if it is left ticking over. However, it is not recommended for drying out a damp basement despite what some salespeople may say. This is because it does not prevent moisture entering the structure, and gradually degrading it.

Manifestly, the preferred solution is to cast the radiant piping into the slab at the time of original construction. Should you decide to retrofit the system, there are two possibilities, though not as ideal as installing it with a new floor:

  • Chop up the floor slab, compact the rubble, cover it with a layer of sand and cast a fresh reinforced concrete floor with integral, radiant system.

 

  • Add an above-floor grid covered over by a false floor. However, this option is not integral with the structure and consequently less energy-effective.

Convenient Energy Sources

Almost any energy source can be used to heat the liquid and power the pump that circulates it. Common solutions include coal, electricity, a heat pump, natural gas, oil, propane, solar energy, and wood. Factors influencing the final choice incorporate local building codes, general safety considerations, architectural constraints, the level of ambient temperature desired, and, of course, the homeowner’s budget.

 

Why You Should Consider Radiant Heating in Your Basement

Assuming that you have in mind to keep your basement warm – as opposed to drying it out which is counterproductive for reasons mentioned – then in-floor radiant heating has a number of significant advantages as follows:

  • It is economic to install and operate, especially when fitted during the construction phase.

 

  • It is gentle to the environment as it produces less greenhouse gases and can be fired by renewable energy.

 

  • It is unusually quiet as does not rely on electric fans, rattling ductwork and hammering pipes.

 

  • It is exceptionally clean and healthy as it is totally concealed and releases no pollutants to the air.

 

  • Being ideally integrated with the floor slab, it does not rob your basement of precious headroom.

In Conclusion, is Radiant Heating a Good Idea?

Anything that adds value to your home in a cost-effective manner is an investment worth considering. This is especially true if it converts a chilly basement into useful living space. If you plan on creating a finished basement that will be a hub for the family, then consider adding radiant heating during your renovations.

 

Finished Basement in Etobocoke Ontario

For homeowners looking to increase their living space, finishing a basement can be a cost-efficient and practical way to do so. If moving or building onto your home is not an option, turning your unfinished basement into a comfortable living space is a great way to add room and increase the value of your home.

There are some precautions that need to be taken to protect your valuables and newly created living space from damage due to water leaks, mold or mildew. This article will walk you through the “do’s and don’ts” of basement remodeling, as well as offer some sound reasons as to why this is the most cost-efficient way to add to your habitable square footage.

 

Make Sure to Waterproof your basement. Your home might not be susceptible to flooding, but basements tend to be dark and damp places. Whether you have water leaks, noticed small areas of moisture on the walls, or smelled a musty odor, it’s important to waterproof your foundation walls before doing any sort of the remodeling construction. There are many professional waterproofing companies for hire, as well as ways to do it yourself.

 

Planning the Design. Once you have your basement protected from possible water damage-either by a professional company or by doing it yourself-the next step is to have a plan of how you want the new space to function for your family. Adding a bedroom, bathroom, and living/family area seems to be the most popular division of basement space. If your home is on a grade, a walkout basement can create a totally new dynamic for your home.  Leaving storage and utility space is also a good idea when designing your new space. Once you have that drawn out, deciding who should do the work is the next step.

 

The Actual Construction: to hire or not? Whatever you decide, researching contractors, plumbers, and carpenters is essential. A do-it-yourself project can quickly become overwhelming, and seeking out a professional quickly can be difficult. The time spent researching before starting the project will be time well spent when you have a finished basement completed in a timely fashion.

 

Enjoy Your New Space and Your New Investment. Once the construction is done and you are enjoying your new living space, sit back and take some satisfaction in knowing you have just added substantially to the value of your home.

Final Precautions: Your finished space is worth more to an appraiser than your empty basement was before the remodel. However, to be officially recognized as living space it needs to be heated, have the required permits, and proper inspections completed. If the homeowner fails to do these requirements it could end up costing more in fines and permits after the fact. If done properly, when you do think about selling, having that finished living space downstairs will increase your chances of selling quickly as well as having that added value placed on your assessment.

 

How much value will your finished basement add your home?

A 2010 study completed by Remodeling Online found that, on average, 74% of the cost of remodeling a finished basement is recovered when the homeowner sold the home.  That was as we were in a downward slide of housing prices throughout most of North America.  The return on investment may be much higher, depending on your part of the country.  Additionally, energy savings from a remodeled basement can pile up to around $400 dollars a year.  Overall, these factors make remodeling your basement a very sound investment, even in a rebounding housing market.

Nusite Group is a Toronto based speciality trades group, specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair and other basement based projects.  Contact us today to learn more.

When You Need To Install a French Drain System

A French drain system can be the ideal solution for Toronto area homeowners who are dealing with a wet basement and/or soggy yard. Water naturally flows downhill and always takes the easiest route it possibly can. This concept is basically what’s behind a French drain system as it’s a trench which is sloped slightly and filled with a pipe and round gravel which diverts the water away from the building. The concept was invented by a 19th-century American named Henry French and is still an effective system today.

The French drains gives water an easy avenue to flow through. It runs into the gravel-filled trench and then flows into a perforated pipe which is sits at the bottom of the trench. The water can travel quite freely through this pipe and its emptied from the home at a safe distance. In general, the bottom of the trench should slope approximately one inch for each eight feet in the direction you’d like the water to flow. The water can then be emptied to a drainage ditch, a low-lying section of the property, the street or a dry well etc.

Soggy Property
Those who are dealing with surface water and soggy areas of their property can benefit from a French drain system as can those who suffer from wet basements. When it comes to soggy areas, the French drain, which is also known as a curtain drain, runs horizontally across the property and uphill from the area which you’d like to dry out. The drain doesn’t necessarily need to be deep as most of them are about two feet in depth and approximately 1.5 feet across. If the drain has to pass through treed areas or shrubbery a solid pipe can be used to make sure roots don’t grow into it and clog it.

Wet Basement
With a wet basement, a deep French drain is a good option. This system is also known as a footing drain. It is located at footing level and runs around the home’s perimeter. This enables it to catch the water before it’s able to flow into the basement. These systems are easy to install during the construction of a building, but can also be added later if necessary. If the basement is tall then the foundation footing may be quite a few feet down. In some instances, landscaping, walkways and decks may have to be taken out to install the drain. If there isn’t enough slope for the system to be effective the water may need to be sent via a sump pump to the storm drain system.

French Drain System

Interior French Drain
The interior French drain is designed to intercept the water as flows into the basement and is considered the best option when it comes to a dry basement. If the basement is finished though it means the interior walls will need to be moved before the system can be installed. A channel is cut around the basement floor’s perimeter and the concrete is chipped out. Perforated pipe is then installed all the way around. This sends the water to a collection tank which is sunk into the floor and it’s sent to a storm drain or the yard by a sump pump. The channel contains a thin concrete layer except at the edge and this catches water which may dribble down the wall.

If you’re interested in learning more about French drain systems please contact our team of professionals at Nusite. We’ll be glad to answer all of your questions and schedule a house call to discuss your unique situation. A French drain may be just the thing you’re looking for if you basement is continually wet or your property consists of soggy areas which won’t dry out.

What Basement Waterproofing Is Best

There is one concern that all homeowners with basements have… a wet basement. Chances are if you are reading this article you either, have a wet basement and are looking for a solution or you are worried about having one in the future. No one wants to deal with leaking or flooding in their basement, so it is important to take steps to waterproof your basement before the need arises.

 

If you do a quick search online for waterproofing your basement there are three main solutions that you will find: crack injection, interior weeping tile and exterior waterproofing.

 

  1. Crack Injection – Using a product for crack injection is a common way to repair cracks in your home’s foundation and one of the least expensive. With all of the freezing and thawing that happens throughout the year it is common to end up with small cracks in your basement walls over time. Crack injection is one solution for repairing any of the small cracks that are allowing water to leak through. However, while this solution can keep water from entering your basement it is a temporary solution.

 

Crack injection does not address where the water is coming from so you will continue to have water trying to enter your basement and it will eventually find a new route. A long term solution will still be necessary. While this can help keep water out for a short time, it is not truly a long term waterproofing solution.

 

  1. Interior Weeping Tile (French drains) – A solution that is a step up from crack injection, is installing interior weeping tile. Just like crack injection, installing interior weeping tile is not a true waterproofing solution, but more of a way to manage the water that has entered your basement. This system is also known as an interior French drain, which is not named after the country, but the creator Henry Flagg French.

 

When installing an interior French drain in your basement you have to break up the concrete flooring around the perimeter of the basement. Once that has been completed crushed stone is put down and a drain is install that will pull the water to a sump pump. The sump pump then works to drain water away from the house. It is important that each step is completing correctly using the right materials or else you could end up with a clogged drain and a wet basement.

 

When installed correctly interior weeping tile can help to manager any water that enters your basement. This method is more effective than crack injection, but is still a water management method instead of actual waterproofing. This is a popular solution for wet basements because it is more affordable than exterior waterproofing.

Exterior Waterproofing

 

  1. Exterior Waterproofing – With all of the options out there, exterior waterproofing is the only way to truly waterproof your basement. The process is the most extensive of the methods that we have mentioned but also the most effective when installed properly. Exterior waterproofing stops water from entering your basement and helps to eliminate wet walls.

 

To install an exterior French drain you need to dig a trench around the entire perimeter of your home. This can mean removing shrubs, plants and patios if needed. A French drain system is installed to drain water downward and away from the foundation. While the dirt is removed from the foundation a waterproofing membrane is added to the exterior of the foundation. The combination of the waterproof membrane and the exterior weeping tile system keep water from working its way into your basement.

 

While the other methods work to properly manage the water when it reaches your foundation, exterior waterproofing also works to keep the water from getting to your foundation in the first place.

 

Choosing the best waterproofing method for your basement

When considering which method of waterproofing is the best for your basement it is important to weigh all of the factors. Make sure to consider not only the expense of the repairs and installation but also the way that the water is entering your home. It can be well worth investing a little more into your basement’s waterproofing now to avoid a problem in the future.

 

If you are interested in speaking with a professional on the best options for waterproofing your basement call Nusite Waterproofing today. With free estimates, written guarantees, flexible financing options and a 30 year A+ rating from the BBB, we have you covered for all your basement waterproofing needs.